With less than two years to go until the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), Senegal is in a race against time. Indeed, meeting deadlines is a central issue, given that the stakes extend far beyond a simple sporting event. A guest on the Seneweb Eco program this Sunday, February 8, 2026, sports economics specialist Mamadou Manizor Thiam emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the process as the deadlines tighten. "Today, the infrastructure is not yet in place," he noted, even while assuring that "funding has been secured" and that the organizing committee is committed to achieving results.

According to the expert, the success of the Youth Olympic Games absolutely depends on flawless execution. "We cannot organize anything less than what is done internationally," he warns, recalling the presidential directive "not to do less than the Paris Olympic Games."

Beyond the sporting deadline, Mamadou Manizor Thiam insists on the urgency of thinking about the post-Games period now. "It's not just a social or cohesion approach. These Youth Olympic Games must generate economic benefits," he asserts.

Tourism, sponsorship, and naming rights are all levers that require anticipation and structuring, again conditioned by adherence to the schedule.

The expert also points out that "Senegal is organizing, but it's Africa that's celebrating," emphasizing the continental dimension of the event. For him, Dakar 2026 represents a strategic showcase for the whole of Africa. But this showcase cannot afford to be tarnished by delays or shortcomings. "Senegal is the gateway, but it's Africa that will be seen through these Youth Olympic Games," he insists.

Drawing on the experiences of Morocco and South Africa, Mamadou Manizor Thiam acknowledges that the country possesses strong assets, notably its geographical location at the crossroads of several continents. This advantage is expected to enhance the Games' appeal, both for athletes and for sports tourism. However, the necessary infrastructure must be in place on time.